\n<\/p>\n
Without a magic, mystic ball, no one knows. But many would guess no.<\/p>\n
Throughout his relatively short managerial career, Martin has rarely, if ever, wavered.<\/p>\n
When his possession-based style took previous club Southampton up to the Premier League via the play-offs last season, he said it would be “illogical” to turn his back on his principles.<\/p>\n
Following 13 defeats in 16 top-flight games, he was sacked as the methodology ultimately backfired with a squad lacking in Premier League experience.<\/p>\n
At the time of his exit – 15 December 2024 – three grim stats stood out:<\/p>\n
Only four teams have had a worse goal difference after 16 Premier League matches of a campaign than Southampton’s -25<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Southampton had more errors leading to goals than anyone else at (10) and more mistakes leading to shots than any other side (26)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Saints faced 108 shots on target – the most in the Premier League<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Though Martin appears to have the backing of the Rangers board, McCann believed the boss looked “uncomfortable” at the full-time whistle on Saturday and there “was almost a resignation” when the fans were showing venting there fury.<\/p>\n
“I know he’s not one for walking away, but when the fans show their disdain and their real displeasure like that, then it’s really difficult to come through it,” McCann said.<\/p>\n
“He would have to go on an enormous run to turn that fanbase because they demand better.”<\/p>\n
A home League Cup quarter-final with Hibernian on Saturday (17:45 BST) comes next before the Europa League league phase kicks off against Genk (Thursday, 25 September, 20:00).<\/p>\n
By the time Rangers return to league duties – at Livingston on Sunday, 28 September – they could be bottom of the table, should Aberdeen and Dundee pick up wins and rack up some goals the day before.<\/p>\n
That seems unfathomable.<\/p>\n
Bill Shankly once said “football is a simple game”. Nothing seems simple for Rangers right now. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n